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Skin cyst

Overview

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Skin cysts are round lumps that develop just underneath the skin. They vary in size and may be sore or red if they get infected.

Treatment is not always needed for skin cysts. You may be given antibiotics for an infected cyst, and surgery is sometimes used to remove cysts.

There are lots of different types of skin cyst including epidermoid cysts, pilar cysts, ganglion cysts and Bartholin’s cysts.

It's not always known what causes a skin cyst. They're more common in older people, women, people with acne, and they can run in families.

Skin cysts are round lumps filled with fluid or pus. They're often harmless but see a GP if you have an unexplained lump.

Page last reviewed: 09/05/2023
Next review due: 09/05/2026